Twisted Chances

19. Nia (edited)

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Okay, truth be told—I lied.

I'd finished my little parlour session ages ago. What really took me time was picking the flowers. I just couldn't figure out which bouquet would suit him. Which flowers would remind me of him. And then I saw the lilies. They just... fit.

Good heavens, it worked. The way his face lit up when I handed them over—it melted me. He looked like someone had just handed him the world. That smile of his, all soft and boyish, made my heart race.

Henry never appreciated the little things. But Niko? He makes me feel seen. Cherished. Like maybe our chances had been slim, but he's the best thing to ever happen to me—and I'll hold onto him with both hands.

I'll admit, I missed the first fifteen minutes of the movie. My mind kept wandering back to that moment, to his grin and the warmth in his eyes. But Niko was patient, whispering me the missing details whenever I nudged him. He never complained, not once. Just sat there, invested in the movie I had chosen—adorably serious, while I sat there daydreaming about him.

God, the sound of it—Niko Volkov is my boyfriend. My boyfriend. I want to scream it from rooftops, tattoo it on my skin, tell the whole damn world.

I was dumb before. So blind. It's always been Niko. It will always be Niko. And I'll fight anyone who tries to take him from me.

On our way to the washrooms—I needed a touch-up before dinner—Niko suddenly pulled me close and kissed me, smudging my lipstick. I should have been annoyed. But no. He looked so smug, smiling like he'd just won the lottery, that all I could do was melt.

I opened my mouth to scold him, but before I could—

"Nia? Niko?"

That voice. Oh, no.

We froze, still tangled together, staring at each other like if we broke apart, we'd shatter. And then the footsteps came closer.

It was Aunt Ava. Shock flickered across her face as she glanced between us... then softened into a smile. His smile. Wow, that's where Niko gets it.

And then Uncle Alex stepped forward, wrapping an arm around her. His voice calm, measured: "Definitely did not expect this pair."

Aunt Ava nearly squealed. "I knew it! Jules and I called it! Okay, I'm not freaking out—but I am freaking out!"

Before we could breathe, she had her phone out, calling Aunt Jules, Aunt Bridget, and—oh God—Mom.

And of course, Aunt Jules being Aunt Jules, demanded everyone bring their men and kids along. Drama night.

So now here we were, me and Niko, standing like criminals on trial as four men circled him like wolves.

"Okay, but Nia," Uncle Josh broke the silence, "why do you have such terrible taste in men? A Volkov? They're traitors."

Uncle Alex gave him a deadpan look. "Why am I dragged into this every time?"

Dad's voice cut sharp. "Shut up, Chen. Don't test me. I swear, I'll kill this bastard myself."

"For once, I'm with you, Harper," Uncle Josh growled. "I'll rearrange all his organs for you."

Uncle Rhys snorted. "Please. One hit from me and he's out."

Only Uncle Alex stayed quiet—clearly enjoying the show.

My heart was pounding. I knew they wouldn't actually kill him—they love me too much—but the sight of them circling him like prey made me want to scream.

But Niko... Niko wasn't scared. Not even close. He stood steady, expression unreadable, almost cold. For the first time, he looked exactly like Uncle Alex.

Then he spoke.

"Uncle Christian, I'm sorry for not saying this sooner. But no matter what you do, no matter how far you go—I won't leave her. I love her. I'm going to say it loud and clear so everyone here understands. I. Love. Dr. Nia Harper. And I'm never letting her go. Not in this life."

Tears stung my eyes. The way he said it—with that conviction, that fire—and the way he added doctor, like he was proud of me... I swear I fell in love all over again.

The mothers melted instantly. Aunt Ava and Aunt Bridget were clutching each other, Aunt Jules was already whispering dramatic commentary, Camilla was cheering him on, and Jas, of course, recorded the entire thing. (I will steal that video later.)

But then—bam. A fist connected with Niko's face. My brother.

"You bastard!" Eithan roared, dragging Niko by the collar. "You broke the bro-code! You were my most trusted—and you went after my sister?!" Another punch.

"Uncle Alex!" I called desperately, but he didn't move. He was watching like it was prime entertainment.

This was ridiculous. I can fall in love. I should fall in love. I'm not a child anymore. And yet here was my family, treating me like one—punishing Niko for daring to love me.

Dad was even hyping Eithan up, for God's sake.

So I marched across the room, heart in my throat, and went to the only ones who had real power here: the women.

It only took one line from Aunt Jules to shift the mood: "This feels like a high school drama where the first and second male leads fight for the heroine." She wrinkled her nose. "Total ick."

That was enough. Mom slipped behind Dad, hugging him softly. Magic. His scowl softened instantly.

It reminded me why I used to believe in love, in soulmates. Why I believe again now—because of Niko.

But Eithan. He was still a storm. He had no girlfriend to calm him down, no one to defuse the ticking time bomb.

So I did the only thing left.

I walked up, yanked his hands off Niko, and stared straight into his eyes.

"If you don't stop this nonsense right now, if you don't let my man go—I'll never forgive you. I'll never talk to you. I'll never even call you my brother again. My puffin is mine. And no one—no one—is going to hurt him."

(Author's note: Today's and yesterday's chapters are unrevised so please forgive me for any mistakes. Please comment. I want to know all of you, readers' reactions. And don't forget to vote too please...)